Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are emerging as promising adsorption materials for water purification application because of their high surface area, tunable structure and surface property.  However, the low affinity with some contaminants limits the widespread technology adoption. In this study, we focused on the synthesis of MSNs with modified structures and surface functionalities to enhance their adsorption performance. Surface functionalization of MSNs with different functional groups enhanced the chemical interaction with target water pollutants. Structure modification optimized material dispersion in water and limited the mass transfer limitation. Heavy metal cations (e.g., Pb, Cu), heavy metal oxyanions (e.g., As, Cr), and organic contaminants (e.g., pesticides) are used as target water pollutants. Both adsorption kinetics and equilibria have been evaluated under different solution conditions (e.g. pH, different concentrations of competition substances). Results suggest that the modified MSNs exhibited improved chemical affinity and adsorption capacity and are promising adsorbents in water purification.

Modified mesoporous silica nanoadsorbent for water purification application

251st National Meeting (2016)

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